Lionel Messi overtakes David Beckham as the world's top-earning soccer player

According to France Football, one of the world's oldest and most respected soccer magazines, FC Barcelona and Argentina national team star Lionel Messi is now the highest paid player in the game.

Messi, 22, earns a reported $44.1-million a year in salary and endorsement income. The Galaxy's Beckham, 35, who was on top of France Football's "rich list" the last two years, earns a reported $40.6-million, according to the magazine.

Messi's who will be playing for Argentina against the U.S. in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, reportedly makes $13.36-million in basic salary, another $5.36-million in bonuses and $25.4-million in endorsements and sponsorships.

Close on the heels of Messi and Beckham is Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, with a combined income of $40 million.